Jesus has commanded that He will go to the other side of the sea, and so He falls asleep in the boat as the disciples take Him across. The great storm that arises causes the disciples to forget the Lord’s promise, so they cry out to Him in fear. Jesus rebukes their fear before rebuking the winds and the sea. By this action, He clearly shows that He is God. On the other side of the sea, two demon-possessed men confront Jesus. Even though the enemy is powerful, the demons are no match for Jesus as He sends them into a herd of pigs that spells the demons’ doom. The great display of power brings only fear, not faith, to the people of the region.

Rev. Jacob Dandy, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church and School in Atchison, KS, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Matthew 8:23-34.

To learn more about Trinity in Atchison, visit trinityatchison.org.

“The Reign of Heaven Stands Near” is a series on Sharper Iron that studies the Gospel according to St. Matthew. The first evangelist proclaims that God has fulfilled His Old Testament promises by sending Jesus to bring the reign of the heavens among us. As the Son of David, Jesus is the gracious King we need, and as the Son of Abraham, Jesus is the blessing to all the families of the earth.

Sharper Iron, hosted by Rev. Timothy Appel, looks at the text of Holy Scripture both in its broad context and its narrow detail, all for the sake of proclaiming Christ crucified and risen for sinners. Two pastors engage with God's Word to sharpen not only their own faith and knowledge, but the faith and knowledge of all who listen. Pastor Appel serves at Faith Lutheran Church in Godfrey, IL. Learn more at flcgodfrey.org. Submit comments or questions to: [email protected]